Yorke delayed, so he's in for a busy first day

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Dwight "All-night" Yorke was not in an airport bar. Nor was he
distracted by a stiletto-heeled blonde. Incredibly, he wasn't being
wooed in a late pitch by Qatar oil billionaires to resist the lure
of Sydney FC.

Yorke missed his connecting flight to Sydney yesterday because
his plane from London was delayed arriving in Dubai. He was
certainly busy texting on his mobile phone, but it was to football
officials informing them of the 24-hour setback.

The former Manchester United striker, who was released from his
Birmingham contract, is expected to arrive in Sydney early this
morning.

His first appointment is with doctors who have to give the
34-year-old the all clear to satisfy immigration requirements. Then
he will go to Sydney FC offices and sign a series of contracts.
Then he will front reporters at Aussie Stadium, flanked by coach
Pierre Littbarski and chief executive Andy Harper.

Insiders say Yorke has yet to find a flat and that he will stay
temporarily at a city hotel. His manager, Simon Bayliff, arrived in
Sydney a few days ago to sort out accommodation. Bayliff has been
handed a new vehicle, courtesy of the sponsors of the club and the
new A-League, for Yorke.

Yorke starts training with Sydney FC on Monday. His first
appearance on the paddock is likely to be against New Zealand in a
warm-up match at Aussie Stadium on July 23.